What do you think?
Rate this book
The Imitation of Mary
The Imitation of Mary from Catholic Book Publishing is an excellent companion volume to the beloved and highly esteemed book Imitation of Christ . In this book, culled from the deeply spiritual works of Thomas à Kempis, the reader is treated to beautiful writings about Our Lady set forth in the style of the Imitation of Christ . He offers the reader a splendid way to grow in following Jesus through imitating His Blessed Mother. With an attractive gold stamped, blue cloth cover and stained edges, this 144-page book is a profoundly spiritual road map for readers who wish to travel with Mary and Jesus.
319 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
125 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Thomas à Kempis
727 books394 followersThomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") / Thomas de Kempis / Thomas Hamerken von Kempen was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471 (his feast is observed a day early to avoid conflict with that of James bar-Zebedee the Apostle).
Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will.
Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 10, 2019
Much like the better known, The Imitation of Christ, The Imitation of Mary is broken into four sections or 'books' and includes an on-going dialogue between the soul and Mary. Following the life of Our Lady from her Immaculate Conception through the death and Ascension of Jesus, then including a discussion of how Mary can help us grow closer to Jesus as we prepare for our own death, the last section covers our sentiments toward her. Her virtues are expounded throughout, partially through her own gently encouraging words, partly through the questions/words of 'the believer' who speaks to Mary on our behalf. His/her queries and observation are ours as well; we see and learn from Mary's example even as struggle to emulate it.
It isn't a book to master, but to ponder and pray, even as Our Lady did herself. She is our role model, the First Disciple.
April 8, 2019: Have been reading this book a page or a paragraph at a time. It was especially fortuitous to come to the section, Chapter 9 in Part 3, HOW TO BEAR THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE. Seeing my own loss in perspective to Our Lady's gave the perfect context to my grief and has made it all seem not only bearable but even more, although I cannot at this time find the right word for it. I just know I will always will be grateful for this book and for both of my mothers.
January 1, 2019: Happy Feast Day Holy Mother of God! A very good day to spend with this book.
December 6, 2018: A selection I really liked:
November 7, 2018: Was written in response to The Imitation of Christ or one could even say to imitate the Imitation, but it is NOT by the same author! Have gone back and corrected several entries here on GRs but not all. The author was relatively unknown because he was a Jesuit during the time of the Order's Disillusionment and as such this work would have lacked credibility has his identity been associated with it.
It isn't a book to master, but to ponder and pray, even as Our Lady did herself. She is our role model, the First Disciple.
April 8, 2019: Have been reading this book a page or a paragraph at a time. It was especially fortuitous to come to the section, Chapter 9 in Part 3, HOW TO BEAR THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE. Seeing my own loss in perspective to Our Lady's gave the perfect context to my grief and has made it all seem not only bearable but even more, although I cannot at this time find the right word for it. I just know I will always will be grateful for this book and for both of my mothers.
January 1, 2019: Happy Feast Day Holy Mother of God! A very good day to spend with this book.
December 6, 2018: A selection I really liked:
'Keep careful watch over yourself after each Holy Communion. You will retain the devotion you had at this time and its the best means of preparing for the next one.'
November 7, 2018: Was written in response to The Imitation of Christ or one could even say to imitate the Imitation, but it is NOT by the same author! Have gone back and corrected several entries here on GRs but not all. The author was relatively unknown because he was a Jesuit during the time of the Order's Disillusionment and as such this work would have lacked credibility has his identity been associated with it.
December 16, 2020
Do not be fooled by the book's unassuming appearance. It's small and thin, and yet it's profound! Well what else can you expect from the writer of The Imitation of Christ? It took me more than a month to finish it! Not that it's difficult, but it is so deep that I needed to take a breath every so often to contemplate what I had just read. Each word is a gem, some sentences are diamonds. It certainly helps me tremendously with my [severely lacking] devotion to the Blessed Mother.
May 9, 2025
Yes! Such a simple but convicting little read on loving Mary more! Personally I was moves by the power of the Hail Mary. Thomas always hits so you certainly cannot go wrong here.
September 30, 2021
This was good! I do think it helped enhance my devotion to Jesus through Mary, which is exactly what it's supposed to do.
It wasn't really my cup of tea as far as style for spiritual reading goes. Each chapter is very short and high on emotional appeal, so you can't read big chunks of the book at a time without getting jerked from emotion to emotion. Which says a lot more about me than it does about the book: I should've picked a meditation and stuck with it for a prayer session, but I didn't, I just read it cover-to-cover in biggish gulps. Which reading style is not recommended for this particular thing. :)
It wasn't really my cup of tea as far as style for spiritual reading goes. Each chapter is very short and high on emotional appeal, so you can't read big chunks of the book at a time without getting jerked from emotion to emotion. Which says a lot more about me than it does about the book: I should've picked a meditation and stuck with it for a prayer session, but I didn't, I just read it cover-to-cover in biggish gulps. Which reading style is not recommended for this particular thing. :)
June 4, 2017
If you want to understand a man, you really need to know his mother. Who is Jesus, how should we love Him? Mary is the most obvious one to ask. Learning to imitate her is learning to love her Son fully and truly. I have yet to meet a more experienced and capable guide on this journey. She helped me find Him, she helps me stay close to Him. A must read for all Christians.
December 23, 2023
A mí parecer un libro que todo católico devoto o no de la Virgen María, debería leer. Un bálsamo para momentos de crisis, incertidumbre o tribulaciones. Me quedo con lo siguiente:
"16) Intenta por consiguiente, alma devota, grabar estás cosas en tu corazón. Sé tranquilo y fuerte cuando venga el momento de la tentación. No te turbes ni desesperes, si llega a faltarte aquello que tanto amas o si se te niega lo que consideras que es necesario para ti. Los amigos de Jesús son a menudo probados con gravísimas aflicciones, porque, si Dios no escatimó penas ni siquiera a si Hijo sino que por todos nosotros lo abandonó en gravísimos tormentos, cómo pretendes un trato mejor? Si Cristo no se buscó a si mismo, pero fue obediente y propenso a soportar incluso hechos sumamente viles y dolorosos, por qué tu temes tanto la fatiga y el dolor, y en cambio, por amor al Crucificado, no abrazas las realidades ásperas y duras? Si él reservó a su Santísima Madre numerosas contrariedades en la tierra; si permitió que con frecuencia pasase por muchas tribulaciones y sufrimientos, cómo se entiende que tú podrías vivir sin pruebas?
"16) Intenta por consiguiente, alma devota, grabar estás cosas en tu corazón. Sé tranquilo y fuerte cuando venga el momento de la tentación. No te turbes ni desesperes, si llega a faltarte aquello que tanto amas o si se te niega lo que consideras que es necesario para ti. Los amigos de Jesús son a menudo probados con gravísimas aflicciones, porque, si Dios no escatimó penas ni siquiera a si Hijo sino que por todos nosotros lo abandonó en gravísimos tormentos, cómo pretendes un trato mejor? Si Cristo no se buscó a si mismo, pero fue obediente y propenso a soportar incluso hechos sumamente viles y dolorosos, por qué tu temes tanto la fatiga y el dolor, y en cambio, por amor al Crucificado, no abrazas las realidades ásperas y duras? Si él reservó a su Santísima Madre numerosas contrariedades en la tierra; si permitió que con frecuencia pasase por muchas tribulaciones y sufrimientos, cómo se entiende que tú podrías vivir sin pruebas?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2017
Aún no leí la Imitación de Cristo, pero conociendo ahora este trabajo será el siguiente paso. ¿Cómo no amar a la madre de Jesús? ¿Como no sentirse tan poca cosa al lado de su pureza y belleza?. Tomás de Kempis no resiste la devoción que tiene a María Santísima y dedica estas páginas que fueron luego compiladas en un sólo libro.
Excelente para meditar y tenerlo en la oración.
Excelente para meditar y tenerlo en la oración.
Want to read
October 22, 2023A beautiful, beautiful Marian book for anyone devoted to Our Lady. It was written in response to the popularity of "The Imitation of Christ," which created a demand for one about the Holy Mother, structured in a similar manner. This little book should be part of every personal Marian library.
September 11, 2017
C'était un très belle livre
J'aime beaucoup c'est livre ici, maintenant j'ai un plus grande connaissance de la Vierge Marie. C'était une bonne traduction comme même. Je le recommande au 100%
J'aime beaucoup c'est livre ici, maintenant j'ai un plus grande connaissance de la Vierge Marie. C'était une bonne traduction comme même. Je le recommande au 100%
December 7, 2017
This is a great book to read a little of each day. I found the small chapters very effective for prayer and reflection. Overall, the book is well-written and a joy to read.
February 25, 2018
Very sentimental style of writing with prayerful thoughts about the life of Mary, Jesus and Joseph.
November 5, 2018
Keep this book close at hand for daily inspiration.
Read
January 4, 2025First book of 2025 🥳
(And a great start if I say so myself 🤪)
(And a great start if I say so myself 🤪)
November 16, 2018
When I read the book 'The Imitation of Christ' by Thomas à Kempis I was completely blown away and I knew that it would become my favorite Christian devotional book for the remainder of my life. Because of this I obviously investigated what other books he wrote. And I came across 'The Imitation of Mary' as well. This book was not published by Thomas à Kempis himself but is a collection of Marian devotions and writings written by him. In this book Thomas goes into dialogue with Mary. Contemplates on her sufferings at the cross of Christ. Explains why she is so important in Catholicism. For the none-catholic reader this kind of Marian devotion might be just too much. But after reading this book thoroughly I have to conclude that he Kempis does not tell his readers to Worship Mary. She herself points to Christ, yet in another way protestants are used to.
December 16, 2025
Just a few notes from one of my favorite Saints:
1. Of Mary’s address to the enemies of Christ
“The radiant star of the sea is battered by many fearful storms. But her mind, which remains fixed on God is not overcome by human malice. No, she stands upright by the cross with un-wearying patience, with persevering love, without fear of those who threaten her with death, without fleeing from those who curse her. She endures everything with peaceful soul and endeavors to stand beside her humiliated son, giving no answer to her cruel enemies. She says no words of contempt; makes no sign of indignation. She only utters deep groans, weeps bitterly, greaves anxiously, shares closely in her Son’s suffering, and is immensely afflicted. She does not grow angry with the crucifiers, but prays for the slanderers. She is saddened by those who deride and blaspheme Christ, and she prays for them. Thus, she stands by the Cross in a sea of tears, and by her example of meekness, brings a consoling patience to all in distress.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 5).
2. On Love of the Crucifix
“The friends of Jesus are often tried by serious afflictions. After all, if God did not spare even His own Son but handed Him over to intense sufferings for the sake of us all, what claim do you have to better treatment? If Christ was not self-seeking but was obedient and ready to endure base and painful attacks, why do you fear fatigue and suffering? Why do you not rather embrace difficulties and hardships out of love for the crucified Jesus? If He stored up many afflictions for His holy mother here on earth, if He allowed her to be often tried and to suffer greatly, how could you ever live without trials?” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 5).
3. Of Mary’s actions after the Crucifixion but before the Resurrection
“She did not come with the other devout women to Your tomb, not because of weakness, fear, or great sorrow, but because she was utterly sure that You would rise on the third day. Therefore, hoping as she did that You would come to her, she remained at home, praying, and waiting, with deep desire for Your coming. As a result she merited to be the first to see You, because she loved You and longed for You, because she had believed in You, and had never doubted Your word.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 7).
4. A Marian Prayer authored by St. Thomas A. Kempis
“Most merciful Mother of God, Mary ever-virgin, Queen of Heaven, Mistress of the World, Joy of the Saints, and Comfort of Sinners, hear the groans of contrite sinners. Grant the desires of the devout. Help the sick in their needs. Strengthen the hearts of the afflicted. Be present to those in their final agony. Protect your suppliant servants from the assaults of demons. Bring with you all who love you into the reward of Eternal Blessedness. Wherewith your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, you reign happily forever. Amen.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 8).
5. Mary did not go one day without suffering
“Long before us, she continually thanked God with all her strength for the blessings she received from Him, in greater measure than all others. And she always endured meekly all the sufferings of this world and constantly preferred a lowly life to the kind that makes people brag. She did not pass even one day without sufferings. And yet, even in distress she never lacked deep consolation, because every trial embraced for Christ’s sake is accompanied by alleviation and joy. Then too the more one is battered and wounded by evil, the more one deserves to receive help.” (Kempis, Bk III, Ch. 5).
6. Pray and have compassion for those who do evil around us
“Be greatly saddened by your past negligences and the defects that you have not yet overcome, and by which you have offended God and all creatures. You have behaved badly here on earth and have been tepid in the service of Christ. You ought therefore to weep first of all for yourself, and then, out of love for your neighbor. Have compassion on those who do wrong on dangerous occasions, and do not even realize it, and on the many who do recognize their malicious actions but do not change their ways. For such persons you must grieve and pray that God will grant them the sense of compunction, so that they may be saved.” (Kempis, Bk III, Ch. 5).
7. Mary – Mediatrix of All Grace
“Oh ever-virgin Mary, you have been appointed the Mediatrix for all the world, and the entire human race praises, glorifies, venerates you beyond all others. It loves you deeply with great jubilation of heart and pure affection. You are the incomparably beautiful queen of all virgins, and every heavenly and earthly creature whom God created for the praise and glory of His exalted name sings the sweetest melodies in thanksgiving to you.” (Kempis, Bk IV, Ch. 2).
8. Example of St. Thomas A. Kempis’ Prayers to Mary
“Hail, Glorious Virgin, sublime spouse of God, praiseworthy, famous, and dear to all men and women, for the flower, chastity, with which you escaped every snare in Satan’s empire. Make us worthy to raise our song to you and to quench the fires of lust. You resolutely scorned all empty vanity, as you sought the King of Kings with sublime desire. Thereby you merited to rejoice with Him and adorned yourself with jewels beyond telling. Make us worthy. In the radiance of your jewels you imitated the chaste lamb, as you love with delight Him Whom while still a girl you jubilantly bore within you. Make us worthy. In His eagerly awaited embraces you are at last warmed, Oh Queen. You follow your beloved Son along with the holy virgins all singing sweetly. Make us worthy, Mother of Mercy. ‘I am the Mother of Mercy, full of sweet love. I am the special joy of the Saints, because I am good. Come to me, you who love me, and from my wealth of consolations you will be filled, because I am good.’” (Kempis, Bk IV, Ch. 6).
1. Of Mary’s address to the enemies of Christ
“The radiant star of the sea is battered by many fearful storms. But her mind, which remains fixed on God is not overcome by human malice. No, she stands upright by the cross with un-wearying patience, with persevering love, without fear of those who threaten her with death, without fleeing from those who curse her. She endures everything with peaceful soul and endeavors to stand beside her humiliated son, giving no answer to her cruel enemies. She says no words of contempt; makes no sign of indignation. She only utters deep groans, weeps bitterly, greaves anxiously, shares closely in her Son’s suffering, and is immensely afflicted. She does not grow angry with the crucifiers, but prays for the slanderers. She is saddened by those who deride and blaspheme Christ, and she prays for them. Thus, she stands by the Cross in a sea of tears, and by her example of meekness, brings a consoling patience to all in distress.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 5).
2. On Love of the Crucifix
“The friends of Jesus are often tried by serious afflictions. After all, if God did not spare even His own Son but handed Him over to intense sufferings for the sake of us all, what claim do you have to better treatment? If Christ was not self-seeking but was obedient and ready to endure base and painful attacks, why do you fear fatigue and suffering? Why do you not rather embrace difficulties and hardships out of love for the crucified Jesus? If He stored up many afflictions for His holy mother here on earth, if He allowed her to be often tried and to suffer greatly, how could you ever live without trials?” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 5).
3. Of Mary’s actions after the Crucifixion but before the Resurrection
“She did not come with the other devout women to Your tomb, not because of weakness, fear, or great sorrow, but because she was utterly sure that You would rise on the third day. Therefore, hoping as she did that You would come to her, she remained at home, praying, and waiting, with deep desire for Your coming. As a result she merited to be the first to see You, because she loved You and longed for You, because she had believed in You, and had never doubted Your word.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 7).
4. A Marian Prayer authored by St. Thomas A. Kempis
“Most merciful Mother of God, Mary ever-virgin, Queen of Heaven, Mistress of the World, Joy of the Saints, and Comfort of Sinners, hear the groans of contrite sinners. Grant the desires of the devout. Help the sick in their needs. Strengthen the hearts of the afflicted. Be present to those in their final agony. Protect your suppliant servants from the assaults of demons. Bring with you all who love you into the reward of Eternal Blessedness. Wherewith your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, you reign happily forever. Amen.” (Kempis, Bk II, Ch. 8).
5. Mary did not go one day without suffering
“Long before us, she continually thanked God with all her strength for the blessings she received from Him, in greater measure than all others. And she always endured meekly all the sufferings of this world and constantly preferred a lowly life to the kind that makes people brag. She did not pass even one day without sufferings. And yet, even in distress she never lacked deep consolation, because every trial embraced for Christ’s sake is accompanied by alleviation and joy. Then too the more one is battered and wounded by evil, the more one deserves to receive help.” (Kempis, Bk III, Ch. 5).
6. Pray and have compassion for those who do evil around us
“Be greatly saddened by your past negligences and the defects that you have not yet overcome, and by which you have offended God and all creatures. You have behaved badly here on earth and have been tepid in the service of Christ. You ought therefore to weep first of all for yourself, and then, out of love for your neighbor. Have compassion on those who do wrong on dangerous occasions, and do not even realize it, and on the many who do recognize their malicious actions but do not change their ways. For such persons you must grieve and pray that God will grant them the sense of compunction, so that they may be saved.” (Kempis, Bk III, Ch. 5).
7. Mary – Mediatrix of All Grace
“Oh ever-virgin Mary, you have been appointed the Mediatrix for all the world, and the entire human race praises, glorifies, venerates you beyond all others. It loves you deeply with great jubilation of heart and pure affection. You are the incomparably beautiful queen of all virgins, and every heavenly and earthly creature whom God created for the praise and glory of His exalted name sings the sweetest melodies in thanksgiving to you.” (Kempis, Bk IV, Ch. 2).
8. Example of St. Thomas A. Kempis’ Prayers to Mary
“Hail, Glorious Virgin, sublime spouse of God, praiseworthy, famous, and dear to all men and women, for the flower, chastity, with which you escaped every snare in Satan’s empire. Make us worthy to raise our song to you and to quench the fires of lust. You resolutely scorned all empty vanity, as you sought the King of Kings with sublime desire. Thereby you merited to rejoice with Him and adorned yourself with jewels beyond telling. Make us worthy. In the radiance of your jewels you imitated the chaste lamb, as you love with delight Him Whom while still a girl you jubilantly bore within you. Make us worthy. In His eagerly awaited embraces you are at last warmed, Oh Queen. You follow your beloved Son along with the holy virgins all singing sweetly. Make us worthy, Mother of Mercy. ‘I am the Mother of Mercy, full of sweet love. I am the special joy of the Saints, because I am good. Come to me, you who love me, and from my wealth of consolations you will be filled, because I am good.’” (Kempis, Bk IV, Ch. 6).
Read
November 14, 2008Great book.....it's in my library.
January 29, 2017
I have nothing against the Divine Feminine or the Feminine Divine, but this book was morbid and infantile.
July 5, 2018
Mary, my Mother
It teaches us of the riches that Mary wants to give each one of us. We need only trust and ask.
It teaches us of the riches that Mary wants to give each one of us. We need only trust and ask.
June 8, 2018
This was an exercise in love for me; so very helpful to me.
January 7, 2024
Incroyable !
August 11, 2024
Beautiful writing and content that led me to deeper reflections on the life, virtues, and glory of the Blessed Mother. This book was beaming with love of her. And though it was simultaneously full of a profound hopefulness, its melancholic tone oftentimes made me feel like I was reading outside in the cold without a jacket. I recognize the beauty in this, but that aspect just wasn't for me! :)
There were some typos in my edition, but none that were too crazy.
There were some typos in my edition, but none that were too crazy.
December 10, 2023
I use this is my household reading but I have read it all the through on my own and throughly enjoyed it. So many nuggets of spiritual wisdom!
It inspired me to improve my relationship with Mary and imitate her in my life.
Would definitely recommend!
It inspired me to improve my relationship with Mary and imitate her in my life.
Would definitely recommend!
August 16, 2023
Mighty and powerful
May 8, 2024
4.5, a profound lovely devotional- a few chapters towards the end were paticularly helpful and lovely.
February 7, 2025
Thomas à Kempis never misses. Great for anyone wanting to grow in devotion to our Lady.
July 14, 2018
An incredible book of devotion to Our Blessed Mother in the style of IOC. I am slightly new to Marian devotion & this has certainly helped. To see Mary not only as the 1st Christian, and she who loved the Lord like only a mother could, but also as Our Mother, the mother of all Christians.
December 27, 2025
A book to put next to an Imitation of Christ!
April 13, 2017
I don't know how fair it is to review a book whose advice should be experimented spiritually speaking, so I'll basically say that I find this accessible although I consider myself very far from the goals this book sets, as they're indeed about sainthood.
On the other hand, I find Kempis' style warm, as expected when talking about the Mother of God, even referring to the works of other saints, as St. Bernard of Clairvaux's wonderful commentary on the crown of stars that Mary wears during the Apocalypsis, and its meaning.
I was given this as a Lent gift, and here I am, finishing it on Spy Wednesday. Definitely an uplifting note without excluding the need for repentance and change.
On the other hand, I find Kempis' style warm, as expected when talking about the Mother of God, even referring to the works of other saints, as St. Bernard of Clairvaux's wonderful commentary on the crown of stars that Mary wears during the Apocalypsis, and its meaning.
I was given this as a Lent gift, and here I am, finishing it on Spy Wednesday. Definitely an uplifting note without excluding the need for repentance and change.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews